Batman and Robin, Scooby-doo and Shaggy, Bogart and Bacall. Popular culture is full of famous pairings. If you ask people to pick their favorite, the opinions will be enthusiastic, and the answers diverse. The “Kirk and Spock” crowd will scoff at the “Hans Solo and Chewbacca” lovers. Those who favor the classics will turn up their noses at Woody and Buzz Lightyear in favor of Abbott and Costello. Whatever your entertainment preferences, there’s a pairing for you. The same is true of home siding and trim color pairings.
What one person loves for a home’s exterior, another may find boring or too loud. Finding the perfect pairing for your trim and siding will enhance your home’s architecture, potentially boost its value, and reflect your style. Home siding contractors can make suggestions and guide your choices, but it can be helpful to understand a bit about color and look at some common pairs and why they work so well together. Understanding the basics of color theory will also help you approach your siding and trim selections from a more informed perspective.
Let’s explore various siding and trim color approaches that can transform your home into a neighborhood showstopper, no matter your preferences.
Types of Colors
You can divide colors into three categories.
Primary Colors
These are red, blue, and yellow. Primary colors are the building blocks from which all other colors are made.
Secondary Colors
You get secondary colors when you blend two primary colors in roughly equal parts, making green, violet-purple, and orange.
Tertiary Colors
If you mix a primary with a secondary color made with that primary, you get one of the tertiary colors. These are red-violet, red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, and blue-violet.
Color Relationships
Now that you know the types of colors, let’s look at their relationships in a pairing.
Complementary Colors
These are colors opposite each other on the color wheel. If one color is a primary, the other would be a secondary color that doesn’t include that primary. For example, you could start with blue as one of your colors. The secondary color made without blue is orange, which is a mix of yellow and red. Blue and orange are complementary colors.
Examples of complementary pairings include red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple. Because there is so much contrast between these colors, they create a bold, vibrant look. Even if you use more muted tones, like forest green and garnet red, rather than bright red and pure green, complementary colors’ bold contrast makes them stand out.
Monochromatic Colors
Monochromatic colors are different shades and tints of a single color. A gray so pale that it’s almost white, light gray, medium gray, charcoal gray, and black would be a monochromatic colorway. You can do this with any color and choose as much or as little contrast as you like.
A pale blue paired with navy blue has more contrast than two shades of blue that are so similar you can barely tell they are different. Either would be a monochromatic pairing. Monochromatic pairings offer a simple, cohesive look.
Analogous Colors
Colors that are next to each other on a color wheel are analogous. Yellow and green, green and blue, and blue and purple are all analogous pairings.
When you choose analogous colors, you create a harmonious, calming effect. Because the colors are similar, they blend well and are easy to look at. You can make them more fun by choosing bright colors, such as red and orange. Subdued hues make them more subtle, like pine green and admiral blue.
Now that we’ve explored some color theory let’s look at common pairings for home siding and trim colors.
Classic Combos
White Siding with Black Trim
This classic choice is a classic for a reason. The high contrast between the colors creates interest but is timeless and sophisticated. These colors work well with any architectural style. Whether you have an elegant colonial or an edgy modern structure, black and white works.
Gray Siding with White Trim
Gray and white is another classic, monochromatic option. Choosing a light gray siding gives your home a fresh, airy feel. Going with a darker gray offers a more dramatic, modern aesthetic. Adding white trim provides interest and highlights your home’s architectural features.
Green Siding with Cream Trim
Green siding is a bold choice. When paired with cream trim with yellow undertones, you have an analogous pairing that creates interest but is still easy on the eyes. Using a softer green like sage will blend with natural surroundings. A deeper or brighter green will have a more eye-catching effect. The cream adds brightness and warmth, keeping the look from being stark.
Navy Blue Siding with White Trim
If you want to make a statement, going with navy blue siding will help your home stand out in a sea of beige-, tan-, and gray-clad homes. Deep blue is a vibrant, rich color that demands attention. However, it isn’t too flashy because blue is elegant and timeless. White trim creates a subtle nautical or coastal vibe and brings classic Americana to mind.
While these classic pairings can give you a starting point, your imagination is the only limit to your color palette. Go boldly monochromatic with red siding and pink trim. Create a fun contrast with purple siding and complementary mustard-yellow trim. Trusted roofing and siding contractors can make suggestions and help you find the perfect colors for your home. Your siding and trim will go together like Bert and Ernie, Laurel and Hardy, or Thelma and Louise–whichever pairing you prefer.